Kevin O'Leary blasts 'anti-American rhetoric' from Canada's prime minister — says his party 'wiped out' loonie, leaving Canadians unable to afford Disneyland. How to hedge against uncertainty

A classic safe haven

Gold has long been considered a go-to asset during times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty — and for good reason.

Unlike stocks or currencies, gold isn’t tied to any one government or economy. It also can’t be printed at will by central banks. Those characteristics make it especially attractive when confidence in political leadership, trade stability or the value of paper money start to slip.

When markets grow jittery, investors often turn to gold as a safe haven. Case in point: over the past year, gold prices have surged over 33%, recently topping $3,100 an ounce.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio has warned that most people “don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio.”

He added: “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential while also securing tax advantages, one option is opening a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those seeking to shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $5,000 in precious metals for free.

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A time-tested income play

Real estate has long been a favored way to generate passive income — and unlike stocks or bonds, it’s a tangible asset you can see and manage.

While markets can swing wildly in response to headlines, high-quality, well-located properties can continue producing rental income regardless of what’s happening on Wall Street.

Real estate is also a time-tested hedge against inflation. As the cost of materials, labor and land rises, property values often increase as well. At the same time, rental income tends to climb, giving landlords a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

While home prices have been soaring and mortgage rates remain elevated, you don’t need to buy a property outright to get in the game. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived have made it easier for average Americans to invest in rental properties without the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management.

With Arrived, you can invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving rental income deposits from your investment.

If you’re interested in commercial real estate, there are plenty of opportunities as well.

First National Realty Partners (FNRP), for instance, allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

A finer alternative

It’s easy to see why great works of art tend to appreciate over time. Supply is limited and many famous pieces have already been snatched up by museums and collectors. This also makes art an attractive option for investors looking to diversify.

In 2022, a collection of art owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen sold for $1.5 billion at Christie’s New York, making it the most valuable collection in auction history.

Investing in art was once a privilege reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

Now, that’s changed with Masterworks — a platform for investing in shares of blue-chip artwork by renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy. It’s easy to use, and with 23 successful exits to date, every one of them has been profitable thus far.

Simply browse their impressive portfolio of paintings and choose how many shares you’d like to buy. Masterworks will handle all the details, making high-end art investments both accessible and effortless.

Masterworks has distributed roughly $61 million back to investors. New offerings have sold out in minutes, but you can skip their waitlist here.